Most and least stressful jobs of 2013

What are the most and least stressful jobs this year? CareerCast tackled this question with a recent report.

The job listing and research site looked at 11 factors — including competitiveness, physical demands, deadlines, and growth potential — to determine each career’s stress level. We also included the projected growth and income for each career, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

CareerCast gave enlisted military personnel the highest stress score, noting the physical and psychological demands of training and duty, dangers of war, stress of relocation, and difficulties transitioning into a civilian job.
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2. Most stressful - Military general

Median salary: $196,300Job outlook: VariesStress score: 65.54

Military generals received a high stress score because their decisions affect the success of military operations and the lives of their subordinates, according to CareerCast.
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Aram Boghosian for the Boston Globe

3. Most stressful - Firefighter

Median salary: $45,250Job outlook: 9 percentStress score: 60.45

The work of a firefighter often puts him or her in the direct line of danger. The physical fatigue of such work can also strain a person’s emotional well-being and family life, CareerCast said.
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4. Most stressful - Commercial airline pilot

Median salary: $92,060Job outlook: 11 percentStress score: 60.28

One obvious stress factor associated with this field is the amount of travel required. In addition to spending a lot of time away from home, pilots are also responsible for the lives of their passengers.
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5. Most stressful - Public relations executive

Median salary: $57,550Job outlook: 21 percentStress score: 48.52

Public relations executives have to always be on their toes, ready to provide damage control. This field is popular among college students, according to CareerCast, making it competitive.
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6. Most stressful - Senior corporate executive

Median salary: $101,250Job outlook: 14 percentStress score: 47.46

As the face of their companies, corporate executives have to answer to their employees, the public, and board members, earning them a high stress score from CareerCast. This job also requires a close eye on the economy.
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7. Most stressful - Photojournalist

Median salary: $29,130Job outlook: 13 percentStress score: 47.12

On top of being a competitive field, photojournalism can also be a dangerous one. These workers are responsible for capturing natural disasters, crime scenes, and other high-stress events.
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8. Most stressful - Newspaper reporter

Median salary: $36,000Job outlook: minus 6 percentStress score: 46.75

CareerCast noted the strict deadlines as one major stress factor newspaper reporters face. Poor job outlook, high public profile, and lower wages also put this job on the most-stressful list.
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9. Most stressful - Taxi driver

Median salary: $22,440Job outlook: 20 percentStress score: 46.18

Undesirable hours, low pay, and danger contributed to this field’s rank on the CareerCast list.
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10. Most stressful - Police officer

Median salary: $55,010Job outlook: 7 percentStress score: 45.60

Police officers are responsible for the safety of the public, their colleagues, and themselves. This, along with the difficult hours, fast pace, and low job outlook, contributed to a high stress score for police officers.
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1. Least stressful - University professor

Median salary: $62,050Job outlook: 17 percentStress score: 6.45

University professor ranked highest on CareerCast’s least-stressful career list, which noted that professors are not evaluated based on standardize test performance, can earn lifetime employment through tenure, and educate students who usually choose their classes.
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2. Least stressful - Seamstress/tailor

Median salary: $25,850Job outlook: 1 percentStress score: 6.5

CareerCast gave seamstress and tailor a low stress score because people in this field don’t face tight deadlines or high-stress environments. Instead, they’re allowed to explore their creativity while in the workplace.
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3. Least stressful - Medical records technician

Median salary: $32,350Job outlook: 21 percentStress score: 7.5

While this career includes a lot of interaction with the public and attention to detail, it earned a low stress score from CareerCast because it is a growing field.
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4. Least stressful - Jeweler

Median salary: $35,170Job outlook: -5 percentStress score: 8.26

Jeweler received a low stress score because most workers are out of the public eye and have the opportunity to turn a profit. One negative is the career’s job outlook.
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5. Least stressful - Medical laboratory technician

Median salary: $46,680Job outlook: 13 percentStress score: 9.28

Medical laboratory technician also received a low stress score for its work-friendly environment outside the public eye. CareerCast noted that limited distractions make it easier to analyze samples.
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6. Least stressful - Audiologist

Median salary: $66,660Job outlook: 37 percentStress score: 9.35

While audiologists work with the public, their interactions are usually with passive patients, CareerCast said. The survey also noted audiologists’ median pay level, a positive job outlook, and ability to set their own hours.
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7. Least stressful - Dietitian

Median salary: $53,250Job outlook: 20 percentStress score: 10.24

This field is rewarding for people who enjoy meeting members of the public and helping them improve their health by meeting their dietary needs.
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8. Least stressful - Hair stylist

Median salary: $22,500Job outlook: 14 percentStress score: 10.41

Hair stylists have to deal with a fast-paced environment, constant interactions with the public, and a lot of time on their feet. This field got a low stress score from CareerCast, though, because it involves creativity and friendly interactions.
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9. Least stressful - Librarian

Median salary: $54,500Job outlook: 7 percentStress score: 10.58

Librarians work in an environment that is usually peaceful and conducive to research and reading. CareerCast noted the variety of employers—colleges, city libraries, and schools—looking for librarians.
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10. Least stressful - Drill press operator

Median salary: $31,910Job outlook: 6 percentStress score: 11.32

This career includes little danger and the ability to work at your own pace, according to CareerCast, making it an appealing choice in the manufacturing field.
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